I.J. NEWS SERVICESEATTLE, WA – The city of Seattle has enacted laws raising minimum wage for workers to $15 an hour, the highest in America, thanks in large part to Kshama Sawant, who leads the city council. Under the $15 minimum-wage law, minimum-wage workers will get raises beginning April 1, 2015.

Employees of businesses with over 500 workers will start at $11 an hour and reach $15 in 2017. Large businesses that provide health care will have an additional year. Businesses with fewer than 500 workers will be required to pay $15 in 2019. Small businesses that claim a credit for tips and benefits will reach $15 an hour in 2021. Wages increase each year under all plans.“We did this. Workers did this,” said the Pune born Sawant, whose campaign for the city council in Nov. last year was based on a $15-an-hour minimum platform. “Today’s victory … will inspire people all over the nation,” she added. Seattle’s new legislation is far higher than the $10.10-an-hour proposed by President Obama. It is also some 60 percent above Seattle’s current $9.32-an-hour wage.Opposition is expected to grow against the city council decision with groups like the International Franchise Association threatening to sue the council against the decision.